Mastika

Greece's Chios Mastiha Ouzo and Mastiha Liqueur

Mastika is a liqueur seasoned with mastic, a resin with a slightly pine or cedar-like flavor gathered from the mastic tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region.

Local varieties

Greece

In Greece, mastika (Greek: μαστίχα) is a strong spirit similar to ouzo or tsikoudia. It is served cold or at room temperature but usually with ice. Both turn white (louche) when poured over ice or mixed with water, forming small crystals when frozen. They are served with various mezedes — appetizers such as octopus, salad, sardines, calamari, fried zucchini, and clams.

Mastika often accompanies desserts made with almonds and is served at wedding feasts as a digestif. It has a sweet smell and flavor similar to liquorice.

Chios Mastiha is not the same drink as mastika; it is a brandy-based liqueur native to the island of Chios, where mastic has traditionally been cultivated.[1]

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, mastika (Bulgarian: мастика) is a strong anise-flavoured drink, consumed chilled. Mastika is often combined with menta, a mint liqueur, to make a traditional cocktail called "cloud".

According to Bulgarian law, mastika is an alcoholic drink with minimum 47% vol of alcohol, made of natural ethanol flavoured with anethole, extracted by rectification of essential oils from star anise, anise, fennel or other plant, containing the same aroma component with concentration at least of 2.5 grams per litre, sugar at least 40 grams per litre, with or without addition of mastic and/or aroma destilate and has specific organoleptic characteristics."[2]

Macedonia

In Macedonia, mastika (Macedonian: мастика) is most commonly consumed as an aperitif, usually poured over ice and enjoyed with meze. Containing 43–45% alcohol, it has a hot taste not unlike that of brandy and is usually made from grapes, raisins, plums or figs. In Macedonia, mastika has traditionally been made in the Strumica area; the best known Macedonian brand, Strumička mastika ("Mastika of Strumica"), made by the company Grozd since 1953, contains 43% alcohol and is produced exclusively at export quality.

Romania

In Romania, mastika (Romanian: mastícă) is used as a wedding toast and is thought of as a good accompaniment to traditional chicken dishes.

References

  1. ↑ "The Magic Tree - Marvelous Masticha", Epikouria Magazine, Fall/Winter 2005
  2. ↑ Наредба за определенията на видовете спиртни напитки, видовете суровини и технологични операции, правилата за производство на спиртните напитки, разрешените добавки и условията за използването им, ДВ бр. 68 от 2006 г.
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